THE national Intellectual Property Office of the Ateneo de Manila University (AIPO) received international acclaim as a key driver of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Philippines last month in Paris, France.

The office was honored with the 2024 Startup Ecosystem Stars (SES) Award in the categories of “Best-in-Class Startup Programs” and “Exceptional Industry Support” by the International Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Mind the Bridge.

Through initiatives like Ateneo Blue Nest, AIPO has supported numerous tech startups by providing funding, mentorship, and resources to achieve scalability and success.

“AIPO’s recognition reflects its steadfast commitment to nurturing a thriving ecosystem for technology and knowledge transfer, startup incubation, and intellectual property management,” Ateneo said in a statement.

The university also highlighted AIPO’s comprehensive intellectual property (IP) services, which have helped researchers and students safeguard their IP rights and realize their value. The office has extended similar support to external startups and businesses, earning recognition from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, the country’s governing body on IP.

The SES Awards celebrate organizations worldwide that excel in fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurial growth, and driving impactful startup ecosystems. This year’s awards highlighted 64 organizations from 36 countries for their contributions to transforming local and global startup landscapes.